Author

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Date of Award

Degree Type

Degree Name

Department

First Advisor

Abstract

ABSTRACT

JORDANIAN ADOLESCENT CANNABIS USE:

PATTERNS, RISKS, AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS

by

SUKAINA ALZYOUD

Month, 2010

Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Schim

Major: Nursing

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Background: Cannabis is considered to be the most commonly used substances worldwide. Its use is not only common among adolescents but is increasing in developing countries such as Jordan. Cannabis use among adolescents has been linked to unintentional injuries, physical fights, academic problems, and illegal behavior such as driving under the influence. Studies of cannabis use patterns, risks, and protective factors are limited in developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the patterns, risks, and protective factors for cannabis use among Jordanian adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive/correlational survey design was used to assess the patterns among Jordanian adolescents 13-18 years of age drawn from Zarka Governorate in Jordan. Zarka Governorate is located at the central region of Jordan and is home to 15% of the total Jordanian population. Sample size was estimated using a 95% confidence interval for p that is expected to be about 50% (0.50). The final sample was 384 Jordanian students who attend public schools and participated in the study. These participants were recruited using simple random sampling from three grades (8th, 10th, &12th). Following permission from the Jordanian Ministry of Education and Wayne State University IRB, participant assent, and parental consent for those less than 18 years of age, students were asked to complete an Arabic version of the POSIT, CAST, AKABSU questionnaires. Reliability & validity was confirmed for the Arabic version of study measures used with adolescents participants. Results: An 11.7% of Jordanian adolescents reported using cannabis. Male Jordanian adolescents were more likely to use cannabis than females. Living in a single-parent household, and association with cannabis using friends were among the significant associated risk factors of adolescents cannabis use. Gender, father cannabis user, and educational status were among the strong predictors of adolescents cannabis use. Adolescent's positive attitudes and beliefs were predictors of adolescents cannabis use. Implications: This study is the next critical step towards establishing a base line data of Jordanian adolescent's health risk behaviors. Developing prevention programs directed to adolescents, families, and at-risk populations.